Source: PA
Pearson: Bullard was never written off
Hull manager Nigel Pearson insisted he had never "written off" Jimmy Bullard in the summer after the midfielder returned for his first match of the season to help Hull beat Derby 2-0.
Bullard, expected to be sold during the close season as Hull looked to offload their highest wage earner, was instrumental in a win that sent Derby into the bottom three thanks to goals from Daniel Ayala and Robert Koren.
Pearson said: "There's been an awful lot said about him and it's important he's judged on his performances. I think he played his part in a good performance.
"At no point was he written off. He's a player who has played in the Premier League.
"The bottom line is that, whatever the sub-plots are, ultimately he's a man who enjoys playing football and my job as manager is to pick a side that can win football matches."
